We are going to Maui in 2.5 weeks and I'd like to book a whale-watching trip now. I know there are tours in the morning, then you have sunset whale-watching cruises and finally I just discovered you can do kayaking and whale-watching. I'm confused... What would be the best way to observe the whales, in your opinion? And do I really have to book a trip now or can it wait until we're there? Thank you everybody!

This really does not answer your question, but I had fun watching them from the shore at one the of the Wailea beaches and from our lanai. Several groups breaching and splashing just offshore. We also had a good show and watched from the 9th floor of the Westin at Kaanapali. As we watched, it seemed like the whales were constantly swimming AWAY from the whale watching boats and as soon as the boats left to go elsewhere, the whales returned.

It seems like the kayaking option is very popular. We stayed very near Makena Landing and every morning we watched large groups that put and headed straight out in search of whales. It looked like fun.

If you opt to take a boat excursion, consider the Pacific Whale Foundation in Lahaina. This whale research organization has very reasonably priced tours and a very experienced and knowledgable crew.

There are so many options and so many ways and places to whale-watch in Maui at this time of year. In fact, you'd have to go out of your way to NOT see whales. They're all succcesful; it's just personal preference as to what "floats your boat" (no pun intended, of course).

I would definitely wait till you're there to make your decision though. You'll have no problem getting reservations.

Thanks everybody, it looks like we can see whales from the shore I think we will still book something, but it's good to know that I don't have to book right now.

Yes, you can see them from the shore.

But if you book a trip, you'll likely see them from 10 feet away.

Both are awesome experiences.

imaq: we must have been watching the same pods! Waved at you from the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort with green sea turtles near our toes, it was an awesome T & W sighting day!

The "best" way to see whales depends on whether you like whales or just like looking at them.

If you just like looking at whales, by all means take a tour that will get you within 10 feet of them. Although this is illegal (you are not supposed to get within 100 yards of them), you will have no problem finding tour operators who have no regard for the law.

Even if the company truly WANTS to comply with the law, it is still very dangerous to the whales. Even the Pacific Whale Foundation has run over a whale calf: (http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/news/story07.html)


If, on the other hand, you like and/or respect whales themselves, the best way to see them is from shore.

Here are only a handful of the many, many, injuries to whales:

"Whale and calf injured in bloody collision" : http://starbulletin.com/2006/03/11/news/story04.html

Dead whale calf's fin appears severed by propeller blades: http://starbulletin.com/2005/02/10/news/story6.html

"Collision injures whale calf" : http://starbulletin.com/2006/03/18/news/story07.html

"Whale collsions on the rise around Hawaii" : http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/news/story07.html


There have already been collsions during the present whale season:
http://starbulletin.com/2007/02/08/news/story09.html

Excerpt:
"Since December a few vessel-whale collisions were reported. On Dec. 28 a boat operator reported a collision with a whale off Kauai. A preliminary investigation indicated no injuries or blood observed on the whale, said Jeffrey Walters, co-manager of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Two other possible collisions were reported off Maui about Dec. 29-30. Walters said a whale calf was observed with a pattern of cuts and scrapes on its back consistent with a vessel collision.

At another spot off Maui, a researcher reported a young humpback whale had suffered a gash on its back.

NOAA officials are investigating both incidents.

Six vessel-whale collisions were reported during the last whale season. At least two of the collisions resulted in serious injuries to whale calves."

Bennyb, thanks for your message. This is an issue everybody should be aware of. However, I don't think kayaking would cause the same problems you are talking about. Hence was my initial question. Thanks again for your post!

I have sat on the beach and my lanai to see the whales. I have also gone on the Pacific Whale Foundation's boat and got to see a lot of them up close.

I do have to say that the most amazing experience I had was when my husband and I rented a kayak from one of the hotels in Wailes and they swam right under our kayaks and breached no more than 50 feet from us. I don't know how often people are that lucky, but it sure made our trips and have the pictures to look back on fondly of that day.

If you want to go on a boat or organized kayak trip, I would call places now and see what they recommend. If you decide to kayak on your own, you can just walk right up and rent anytime.

Reply to bggirl and Marichka, we have seen whales breaching from land as iamq points out and offer that binoculars or camera with digital zoom can aid in the viewing.
Have also seen breaching up close from whale watching boats and even the interisland ferries between Maui and Lanai and Molokai. Haven't gone by kayak but on one whale watching tour off Kaua`i a whale breached shockingly close to us and recall this operator had an office photo of how on one occassion a breaching whale actually landed on the back of the boat!

Marichka -

You are right, I don't think kayaking would cause harm to the whales. Also, kayaks don't leak diesel into the water, etc., so I think they are a good option.

I apologize for using your post as an opportunity to rant about the tour boats.

My favorite whale watch company is Ultimate Whale Watch. They leave from Lahaina harbor. Their boat is a 28-foot zodiac. They have a maximum of 16 passengers.

The whales absolutely love this boat and frequently swim up to it, underneath it, and around it. We had more close encounters on this boat.

The Pacific Whale Foundation is also good; however, their boats are quite large and have a lot of people on board. If you become a member, then you can get either a PWF tee shirt or a free whale watch. Members get to board first.

America II is a sailboat that has whale watches in the morning.

Beenyb, no problem
Dorothy, never heard about Ultimate Whale Watch, thanks for sharing

Ultimate Whale Watch's telephone number is 808.667.5678. They have a website at www.ultimatewhalewatch.com; however, you cannot book through this site.

Ultimate is a bit more expensive than some of the other companies. If you book directly with them, you will get your next whale watch at half-price. Believe me, after you go with them, you will want to go again.

They have a partnership with a research company; we had the head of the team as our naturalist on one of our trips. The commitment and respect that these two organizations have for whales and their protection is amazing!

Since you are going in late March/early April, you will be visiting towards the end of whale season in Maui. There will be whales and you will see them. Whales migrate on a staggered-basis to Hawaii. The ones that arrive in late December/early January have already left for the journey back to Alaska. Eventhough there will not be as many whale in the area, you should be able to see some of the more interesting types of whale behavior. Later in the season, there are more males than females. The males will form competition pods to try to woo the females who still have not mated. The comp pods can be unbelievably spectatular. Our best comp pod sightings have been in early April. The fights may last for hours.

Also towards the end of the season, the mothers and calves that are still in Hawaii are preparing the babies for the journey home. The mothers teach the babies how to breach, tail slap, pec slap, spy hop, and other essential behaviors. There is nothing like watching a baby calf learning to perfect its breaching technique.

Have a great time in Maui!

Dorothy01, thank you SO much for your very informative post! I am sure we will enjoy our trip, thanks again!